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Flexible & Intelligent Complex Systems (FICS)
FICS research group works on complex systems, autonomy, machine learning and their applications on cyber-physical systems, which operate in dynamic and uncertain environments while maintaining efficiency, safety and security. FICS researchers develop methods and algorithms for decision making in high-dimensional, probabilistic scenarios.
FICS is led by Dr. M. Ilhan Akbas, associate professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. Dr. Akbas is also the co-director of WIDE Lab, a leadership member of the Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems (CARS) and and a member of the Advanced Air Mobility Research and Innovation Lab (AAMRIL) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU).
FICS research has been supported through grants from agencies such as NSF, FAA, ONR, UNP, as well as industry. We are always willing to find new FICSers and work together on topics related to our research interests. Please reach out to Dr. Akbas (akbasm@erau.edu) if you are interested in topics such as AI/ML, multi-agent systems, complex systems, autonomy, modeling & simulation, validation & verification and cybersecurity.
Please see our growing team for current and previous FICSers and the projects page for our grants and contracts.
Recent Highlights
Recent Highlights
Our paper, "An Integrated Framework for Scenario-Based Safety Validation and Explainability of Autonomous Vehicles ." is accepted for publication in ACM Journal on Autonomous Transportation Systems.
Dr. Akbas gave a talk, titled "Adaptive Artificial Intelligence for Space Robotics: Neuroevolution-Based Fault-Tolerant Robot Control," at the planning meeting of Center for Science, Technology and Advanced Research in Space (C-STARS).
Dr. Akbas was a panelist at the IEEE Wireless and Microwave Technology Conference (WAMICON), "An Open Conversation: Can AI Replace Traditional RF Design ?" panel.
Our paper, "Information Theory Based Quantitative Complexity Analysis for Autonomous Vehicle Safety Testing" is accepted to the IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Computer, Data Sciences and Applications (ACDSA).
Dr. Akbas organized and led a University Research Panel at the President’s Forum on Research and Innovation at Embry-Riddle Symposium on Aviation and Aerospace Cyber Resilience.
Dr. Akbas is appointed as an Associate Editor for Aerospace Information Systems area for IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems (TAES).
Dr. Akbas gave a keynote speech, titled "Validation and Verification of Autonomous Vehicles: Landscape, Challenges and an Open-Source Validation Platform, PolyVerif," at the 9th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research (ICMERR 2025).
Dr. Akbas is a co-PI in the recently awarded project, "COMET: CubeSat Optical and mm-Wave Enabled Telecommunications," the Space Dynamics Laboratory NS-12, University Nanosat Program (UNP) funded by AFOSR.
Our journal paper, "Complexity Evaluation of Test Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicle Safety Validation Using Information Theory," is published in Information.
"Investigating Neural Network Design Through the Analysis of Weight Distribution Patterns," a research project by an undergraduate team mentored by Dr. Akbas, has been accepted for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2025.
"Exploring Neuroevolution: Can Evolved Neural Networks Detect Cyberattacks?" and "Expanding the Application Space within Polyverif and Integrating Neuroevolution," research projects by two undergraduate teams in our group, have been accepted for a poster presentation at the 15th Annual Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) 2025.
Dr. Akbas gave a talk, titled "The Achilles Heel of AI: Validation and Verification and an Approach to Tackle this Complex Challenge", at the ERAU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit.
Our book chapter, "Machine Learning Methods from Shallow Learning to Deep Learning," is published in Shallow Learning vs. Deep Learning, The Springer Series in Applied Machine Learning.
Our journal paper, "Real-Time Detection of Sea Turtles Using UAS and Neural Networks on Edge Devices," is published in the Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research (JAAER),
Our presentation, "Real-Life Experiences in Using Open-Source for Autonomy Applications," was presented in the 2025 Sustainable Mobility and Transportation Symposium.
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